Growing up in the UK, I have seen the impact that cigarettes have had on our society. From the advertisements plastered on billboards to the sight of a smoker puffing away on the street, cigarettes have been a constant presence in our daily lives.
But beyond the visual aspect, there are deeper issues surrounding cigarettes in the UK that need to be addressed. As someone who has lived in this country for most of my life, I feel it is important to shed some light on the topic and discuss the implications of smoking in our society.
To start off, let’s talk about the prevalence of smoking in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2018, around 14.4% of adults in the UK were smokers. This may seem like a small number, but it translates to approximately 7.4 million people still lighting up despite the known health risks.
One of the reasons for this high number is the easy accessibility of cigarettes in the UK. Almost every corner shop or supermarket sells them, making it convenient for smokers to purchase them at any time. The government has implemented laws to restrict the display of cigarettes in shops and increase the legal smoking age to 18, but these measures have not been enough to curb the habit.
Aside from the ease of access, the affordability of cigarettes also contributes to their prevalence. In the UK, a pack of cigarettes can cost anywhere from £10 to £15. For many smokers, it may seem like a small price to pay, but in the long run, the cost can add up to thousands of pounds every year.
Now, let’s delve into the health implications of smoking. We all know that smoking causes a variety of health problems, but it’s important to understand the extent of these risks. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death in the UK, accounting for more than 80,000 deaths each year.
The most well-known health risk associated with smoking is lung cancer. In fact, 85% of lung cancer cases in the UK are caused by smoking. But cigarettes can also lead to other types of cancer, such as throat, mouth, and bladder cancer. It is estimated that around half of all smokers will die from a smoking-related illness.
Aside from cancer, smoking can also lead to chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These diseases slowly deteriorate the lungs, making it difficult for individuals to breathe and engage in physical activities.
But the harm of cigarettes extends beyond the smoker. Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, is equally harmful to those who are exposed to it. It increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke in non-smokers. It is estimated that secondhand smoke causes around 11,000 deaths each year in the UK.
Despite the known health risks, there are still many smokers in the UK who continue to light up. This could be due to the addictive nature of cigarettes. Nicotine, the main ingredient in cigarettes, is highly addictive and can rewire the brain, making quitting a difficult task.
Over the years, the UK government has taken steps to reduce smoking rates through various initiatives. For example, they have implemented smoking bans in public places, imposed graphic warning labels on cigarette packs, and launched anti-smoking campaigns. These measures have been somewhat effective, with the smoking rate declining from 24% in 2007 to 14.4% in 2018. However, more needs to be done to help smokers quit and prevent young people from starting the habit.
One way to combat smoking is through education. Schools should have comprehensive education programs that teach students about the dangers of smoking and equip them with the tools to resist peer pressure. In addition, there should be more resources and support available for those who want to quit smoking. Currently, the NHS provides smoking cessation services, but there is a need for more funding and accessibility to these services.
Another solution is to implement stricter regulations on tobacco companies. In recent years, there have been numerous controversies surrounding the actions of big tobacco companies, such as targeting young people through packaging and flavoured cigarettes. The government should not only regulate their marketing practices but also increase taxes on cigarettes to make them less affordable.
But ultimately, quitting smoking is a personal decision. As someone who has watched my loved ones struggle with the habit, I understand that it can be a challenging journey. But it’s important to remember that quitting is a process and to seek help and support when needed.
In conclusion, cigarettes continue to be a prevalent issue in the UK, with far-reaching consequences for individuals and society. We must continue to educate and support smokers in their journey to quit, while also implementing stricter regulations on tobacco companies. As a society, we must work towards creating a smoke-free UK for the health and well-being of our communities.